I am quite new to this site in that I haven't used it much unfortunately, so I apologise if this question has been asked before, but what exactly should be put in a portfolio?

Most websites (esp college/uni) say put in your best work, but some of my best work are drawn from pictures, which I'm not sure reflects well, as some people have told me that this is copying and is much easier than original pieces. I don't know, however, whether this is information that should be taken into account or not.

So any advice; what should be put into a potfolio and what definately shouldn't?

Not sure this will help, but I would say go through the collection of your work and choose first the pictures that best show your style. A lot of my work is drawn from photos too - as you progress through your study of art, I think you will find it a common practice.

Are the drawings from your own photos'? If yes, then there is nothing wrong with that! I would be carefull of using pictures from others photos', there may be a copyright issue.

Contents of art portfolios depend on what they are being used for.

Is this for entry to art school or a project or employment?

For entry to art school, portfolio expectations are often laid out in the curriculum guidelines and can be specific. Often admissions want to see work that is your own creation and that covers a broad spectrum of media and sizes.

Thanks to everyone that has replyed so far

I just wanted to make up a general portfolio. Though it would be more towards employment right now than it is to education. It would be depending on a potential employer though, I suppose.

With photos, I don't know, most of the people I enjoy drawing are famous and it's hard to come across an oppertunity where I can take my own picture of them so they tend to be from other's photos. It seems though, that I never tend to follow a photo to the letter anyway. As for taking my own photo's (generally speaking), I really ought to, I mean I didn't approach this expecting that I'd already done everything, so I'm grateful for being suggested such things.

So I think right now I ought to work on these things;
*Taking lots and lots of photos of people (providing I have permission)
*More general observational drawings
*Working with bigger sizes.

Anything missing that I may need?

Also thanks for the help everyone!

You need to log in to this forum every day and show us your work, and join in with the challenges and trades. Then, when you are famous! We can all say we are your friend.

I'm not sure I'd be able to get on every day, but I'll certainly try. Also I think fame is ways a way yet